Things to See & Do
Know Downtown
Visitor Resources The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is an excellent resource for activities in the greater Des Moines area ranging from shopping, restaurants, lodging and entertainment options for the entire family.
The Downtown Community Alliance, an affiliate of the Greater Des Moines Partnership offers Know Downtown featuring a calendar of events, maps and activities that take place...well, in downtown Des Moines.
Downtown Activities Iowa.com has additional information on it's website regarding activities in the Des Moines area.
Desmoines365.com has the latest in the cultural buzz about town, including news and events.
Desmoinesalive.com is dedicated to discovering and promoting fun and exciting things to do in Des Moines.
Absolutedsm.com provides a variety of photo galleries of downtown Des Moines and it's skylines.
Everything you wanted to know about Des Moines, Iowa.
Downtown Nightlife IMT Des Moines Marathon festivities will be taking place around town as early as Thursday evening. Several restaurants and bars in the Court Avenue District are looking forward to your arrival downtown.
 Dos Rios Cantina and Tequila Lounge is located in the entertainment district on Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines. Culinary Director, Rich Garcia and Executive Chef, Scott Stroud have succeeded in taking traditional, Guadalajaran recipes and giving them a unique, contemporary twist. This Nuovo Cocina style of authentic cuisine made with available local produce and a lounge, stocked with an extensive collection of tequila, form the soul of Dos Rios.
Blues on Grand was recently voted the best blues bar in the country and features national touring acts.
The House of Bricks in the East Village spotlights a wide range of regional acts, including some of the best Des Moines based bands.
If you are looking for a fun place to take the family for food and games, try All-Play featuring the latest video games, kiddie funland and interactive bowling.
Downtown Attractions Saturday morning features a world class Farmers Market on Court Avenue and the new host of the Iowa Kidstrong Kids Run.
The Science Center of Iowa, complete with IMAX theater, is a great family activity that is located at the finish line of the Iowa Kidstrong Kids Run.
Hy-Vee Hall is home to the Iowa Hall of Pride, which showcases Iowa athletics through interactive kiosks and displays.
The Civic Center of Des Moines features the Broadway show 9 - 5 over the course of race weekend.
The Botanical Center is a popular downtown destination for visitors, especially on a rainy day.
The Iowa State Capitol and State Historical Building along with shopping in the East Village are a great way to spend an afternoon.
Know Des Moines
The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines has expanded their family-friendly zoo with an enclosed rainforest and tiger exhibit.
The Des Moines Art Center has a reputation as one of the finest modern art museums in the United States.
Salisbury House and Terrace Hill, the home of Iowa's Governor, are two historic houses open to the public for touring. Salisbury House and Terrace Hill appear on the IMT Des Moines Marathon course.
Experience West Des Moines
Want to see how farming in Iowa has changed over the past 100 years? Visit Living History Farms to view a late 19th Century Iowa town and family farm. If shopping is what you are looking for take a trip to the Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines for one of a kind shops or visit Valley West Mall and Jordan Creek Town Center with world-class department stores. Didn't touch on something of interest to you? Contact us us with what your question or comment.

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